What next for Feng Tianwei?

28 Oct 2016

The Singaporean Table Tennis Association stunned everyone after making their announcement that they will not be renewing the contract of the Olympic medallist Feng Tianwei. The reason cited was to focus more on their younger players.

In response, Feng Tianwei thanked everyone’s support and at the same time assured all that she will not be leaving the international arena just yet.

Feng Tianwei in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. (Photo by Rémy Gros)

by Henry Chen

“Thank you everyone for the concern. I made my friends worried. Rest assured I will not leave the international arena,” Feng Tianwei wrote on her Weibo.

Tuesday, 25th October, the table tennis community was shocked after hearing the announcement of the Singaporean Table Tennis Association (STTA). The association announced their decision not to renew the contract of the cornerstone of their women’s team.

So what’s next for Feng Tianwei? Is she retiring?

In a post in her Weibo, Feng Tianwei made it clear that there is no retirement happening in the near future. She still plans to continue her career and fight in the international scene. She also revealed that she will be making announcements about her plans in the following days.

“I believe that everyone saw the announcement. I think I will continue to participate in international competitions, its just that there are few changes along the way. A few days later, I will announce my future plans and developments regarding competitions,” Feng Tianwei said.

Feng Tianwei shouts as she rejoiced in the triumph in Liebherr 2010 World Team Championships. (Photo by Rémy Gros)

Feng Tianwei has demonstrated a great threat to the Chinese Women’s Team, something that only very few have done in the span of their careers. She has repeatedly defeated Liu Shiwen and of course, who can forget her memorable performance in the Liebherr 2010 World Team Championships in Moscow.

Feng Tianwei contributed two wins for the Singaporean Team, defeating Ding Ning and Liu Shiwen in the process.

The 30-year old player from Harbin, China can still participate in the international arena, especially the ITTF World Tour events. However, she will not just be eligible to participate in World title competitions just like the Olympic Games where different regulations apply.